Thursday, December 31

We all think about changes in the year last the of the year while waiting for the new one to arrive. Maybe we will forget it all at the first Monday of the year but I hope you don't and that you can reach some of the plans you did for the next 365 days.
I did chose four women from the movies that did changes in the lives of other people.
Although I think these are movies that everybody knows I will put the list:
"Sound of Music" and Maria (Julie Andrews)
"Bagda Cafe" and Jasmin (Marianne Sagebretch)
"Chocolat" and Vianne (Juliette Binoche)
"Le Fabuleux Destin de Amélie Poulain" Amélie (Audrey Tautou)
Happy New Year!

Monday, December 28

I believe everybody remembers the perspective lesson and the amazement of searching for the vanishing point where two parallels converge. The photo of the post below made me remember it and I searched for "vanishing point"and found many amazing sites different fields not only about how to draw.
I found this photo by Steve Webel and a comment left by an art teacher who asked to use this photo to explain perspective at his class. Nice teacher!
I also found an incredible site whose title is "The Vanishing Point", a site of Michael Cook, also a photographer in Canada. He has amazing photos and this is one of the paragraphs he wrote:

"Stepping outside our prearranged traffic patterns and established destinations, we find a city laced with liminality, with borderlands cutting across its heart and reaching into its sky. We find a thousand vanishing points, each unique, each alive, each pregnant with riches and wonders and time."

Even though perspective is no longer the only way painters uses to give the illusion of reality and some movements even do not like it the vanishing point, and what a great expression it is, still amazes many people.
Funny because actually we know that parallels never meet each other or, if I remember correctly, they meet in the infinite according to I don't remember who .

This is one of Trey Ratcliff amazing pictures. If you visit his site you will understand how difficult it is to chose one of his pictures. I decided for this one because I love road pictures and this one makes me remember that finding our way is an eternal, an infinite search.

Saturday, December 26

I have asked my astrological map in two sites because I lost mine. Instead of the maps the two sites, this one, Pasqualina astrologer, claims that I will become rich, and this one, Jenna astrologer, have all the orientations so that I can change my future for the better paying US$ 60,00.

I just have to pay a little money and... There! I will be a millionaire.

LOL

I had to share it with you!

Look at the part of one of the sitewhere I just have to check what I want, pay and... find the love of my life and become a millionaire:

For a New Start in my Life, I am filling in the Confidential QuestionnaireI am indicating below by ticking the appropriate boxes
the 5 most urgent and pressing Wishes I have for my life.

Money Wishes

Receive a sum of money of at least us $ Win $100 to $500 000 in the next 6 months
Have enough money to pay my debts
Spend as much as I want without counting
Become a home owner

Love Wishes

Be loved by the woman or the man who ignores me
Get to know true love
Better harmony in my household
Success for my children in their professional lives
A thousand and one love affairs of every kind

Luck Wishes

Improve my situation
Earn twice as much as today
Receive an unexpected inheritance
To have luck on the lottery and in games
To have the luck of meeting the Love of my Life
To be lucky in all my endeavors

I include the modest paymentof us $ 9.95to consultyour First Predictions

I include the amountof us $ 19.95 to consult your Complete Predictions

Yes, Pasqualina, I wish to receive yourComplete Predictionswith yourSpecial Horoscope of my Future
for only us $ 29.

I wish to receive priority treatment,
I add us $ 5.90 to my orderfor a total of us $ 34.90

I thank you, Pasqualina, for all the work you are going to do for me, you have all my TRUST for I know now that, thanks to you, I will be finally able to enjoy the HAPPY LIFE I'm entitled to. I know that we will succeed!

I will continue to receive your free weekly Horoscope

WOW!!!! I cannot lose these chances. If I pay the two sites I will find not only one love but two great men and I will not be a millionaire. I will be a billionaire.

What else can someone wish?

I will be sending you all some money too. Just wait the right period. Or maybe you want to go to the sites and search for your own wealth and lovers.

Gee! I wander if these people make money with it. I believe so, or there would not have so many online.

Friday, December 25

Sorry! I changed for the quotations because I did read all the jokes and found out that some of them are offensive, I think. One have to be careful with stereotypical jokes nowadays at least that is what I try to do. These are good quotations to start another year and some of them are funny too.

This is a caricature by Fraga, a great Brazilian caricaturist. I have already published Marcelo Rampazzo here and the same happened again. I found this work at Fraga's blog and I left a comment telling him I have published it without permission. This is a caricature he did for a newspaper for an article about Bob Dylan's Christmas Album that was launched and the money will be donated to charity.

Wednesday, December 23

"Chinese New Year 4708, or 2010 in the Western calendar, is the Year of the Metal Tiger.

The Tiger represents the third year in the 12 year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

Like the houses of the zodiac in Western astrology, the animals of Chinese astrology are thought by many to dictate personality traits or, in the wider scope of things, even impact world events in any year they rule.

Tigers, and those born under compatible signs, will likely benefit from luck or good fortune during a Tiger year — i.e., in 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022.

Characteristics of The Tiger

Like the lion in Western culture, the Tiger is the proverbial King of the Jungle, and admired for its vivid stripes that symbolize the balanced forces of `yin' and `yang'.

One of the most dynamic signs in the zodiac, Tigers are truly a force of nature. They are by turns dependable, unpredictable, fearless and stout-hearted, tender and loving. For all the world appearing at times to be quiet homebodies, Tigers may just as suddenly change course, and pack up to travel to some far-flung exotic destination.

As a result, they may sometimes be perceived as irresponsible. This is because few other signs can keep up with the Tiger's ability to think on their feet, or their primal desire for adventure and first-hand experience of life.

The year of the Tiger is traditionally associated with massive changes and social upheaval. Therefore, 2010 is very likely to be a volatile one both on the world scene, as well as on a personal level.

Tigers who thrive on chance and unpredictabilty are best suited to navigating the many upheavals predicted in the year ahead. Those compatible with the Tiger — the Dragon and the Horse in particular — may also find 2010's erratic circumstances inspiring them to ever bolder action, and ultimate success.

Those born under other signs will suffer, by degree, depending on how flexible they are to change. Those who can keep a steady hand on the helm may be shaken, but undeterred by the typically thunderous events foreseen in any Tiger year.

For more specific information and learn more about what the omens are for your future in the New Year, check out related resources for the Year of the Tiger and find out what else the animals of fortune predict for you in 2010.

Remember, whatever the omens portend, for better or worse, you are the final master of your own fate.

These ideas are provided for your enjoyment and amusement and are not meant to take the place of your own good sense.

Wishing you and your family a year of health and prosperity! Gung Hay Fat Choy!

I'm a dog at the Chinese astrology and it seems that this will be a good year.

That is the way we count time and if you want to generate a calendar for any year you can go to this site and generate the calendar for 2010 or the calendar for the year of your birthday at your country or any other country you want, convert timezones and other informations related to TIME.

Tuesday, December 22

It seems that in Italy fleas were also a theme for genre paintings. :)
I have already published "The Poor Poet" by Carl Spitzweg where the poet examine a flea that he is holding in his fingers. (click to enlarge)

A great portrait painter of the 17 century the Dutch painter Gerard ter Borch was known for depicting the rich and cultured people of his era but he also was a master painting the quotidian and rude people doing their activities.

Here the boy, perhaps the son's painter Mozes, is picking fleas from his dog in total concentration. There are some books that may allude to the diligence that he dedicate to this activity.

According to WIkipedia:

" His figures are well drawn and expressive in attitude; his colouring is clear and rich, but his best skill lies in his unequalled rendering of texture in draperies, which is seen to advantage in such pictures as The Letter and in The Gallant Conversation engraved by Wille – which exists in various repetitions at Berlin and Amsterdam, and in the Bridgewater Gallery."

This is interesting when we have this documents of daily life from other epochs. (click to enlarge. this is a very dark image)

Sunday, December 20

Herrad at Access Denied passed me this award. I have already talked about her at this post. I know you will not click at the link so I copied it for you:

I wanted something that could put a smile on our faces and saw this Keith Hearing's collection Herrad's published. You don't know who Herrad is?... okay:
She is fighting multiple sclerosis and post everyday about her struggle.
She has amazing photos of Amsterdam and I am always inspired by her pictures and the way she inspire others by telling how she spend her day coping with symptoms.
So this is to light up your day as it did to me.
Have a great week!
Thank you Herrad!

Her blog has an amazing collection of artistic works of diverse kinds that she puts after writing her daily post. It is worthwhile to visit her blog to see her private collection. I will pass the award later. Go to Herrad's blog in the meantime: Access Denied.

Become a Founding Sponsorof the National Museum of the United States Army.
To understand ourselves, our country, and our culture, we can learn much from our Army and its Soldiers, past and present. Their history is our history, told from a unique and remarkable perspective.
Regardless of the mission—whether combat, peacekeeping, or nation-building—Soldiers’ stories exemplify the indomitable spirit that has so clearly defined the American character since 1775.
It is now time to build the National Museum of the United States Army.
The U.S. Army is the only service branch that does not have a central museum to preserve, display and interpret its heritage. More than 228 years of Army history are in danger of being lost. Those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Army deserve a place of honor that tells their story and the story of the great battles they fought, and how they helped to shape the nation.
Our nation's heritage is one of freedom—an inalienable right that was not given to our people, but won with great effort. The U.S. Army's fight for freedom must be told to the American public and passed on to future generations.
How will my contribution be used?
The U.S. Army estimate that it will need to raise over $200 million in private contributions to finance the design and construction of the Museum, as well as to create the exhibits and displays that will tell the story of the U.S. Army.

Your name and service history (or that of your loved one) will be prominently displayed in the Registry of the American Soldier.

Registry of The American Soldier
If you have ever served in the U.S. Army, then your name needs to be included in the Museum’s Registry of The American Soldier. The Registry is part of the national campaign to build a long overdue memorial museum dedicated to the service and sacrifices of America’s soldiers. And we need your help.
Benefits of Becoming a Founding Sponsor
When you contribute $20 or more , you become a Founding Sponsor of the National Museum of the U.S. Army and you Receive the following exclusive benefits.• An Official Certificate of Commendation. Suitable for framing, this handsome document attests to your status as one of the Museum's original Founding Sponsors.
• Your Name entered into the Museums Register of Founding Sponsors, kept on permanent display at the Museum.

Contribute $50 and you also receive the beautiful Museum Lapel Pin . Wear it proudly to show your support for the Museum. You also get a free year's subscription to Call to Duty, the Official Newsletter of the Campaign for the National Army Museum, published quarterly by the Foundation. It will keep you up to date on the Museum's progress, plus stories about the Army in U.S. history — the soldiers, battles, and much more.
Contribute $100 or more and you also receive the prestigious Museum Medallion in a handsome presentation case. At home or office, you will display this special commemorative Medallion with great pride.
Becoming a Founding Sponsor of the National Museum of the United States Army is easy. To make an online contribution by credit card through our secure e-commerce engine, please follow the link "Support The National Museum of the U.S. Army" below.

Because a great Army deserves a great Museum.For far too long the US Army has lacked both a comprehensive story place and a fitting tribute to relate and recognize the personal and professional sacrifices of its Soldiers. It is now time to hear them, and to say thanks to fourteen generations of American Soldiers whose leadership, character, and selfless sacrifice have forged and safeguarded our nation for over two centuries. A great Army deserves a great Museum.
To understand ourselves, our country, and our culture, we can learn much from our Army and its Soldiers, past and present. Their history is our history, told from a unique and remarkable perspective.
Regardless of the mission—whether combat, peacekeeping, or nation-building—Soldiers’ stories exemplify the indomitable spirit that has so clearly defined the American character since 1775.
It is now time to build the National Museum of the United States Army.

I wish US soldiers were well treated when they return home. But it is not what is happening. I really wish this was a historical foundation that also had nothing new to add other than past war pieces. Also a dream.

Click at the image if you want to visit the UK National Army Museum. Armies museum are the sole I wish that had nothing new to put at their heritage but enriches the collection of past wars.
Unfortunately it is a dream. You can become a member and donate to:

"With your help the Friends will help the National Army Museum treasure the heritage of the British Army and the values that soldiers have fought and died for".
We aim to:
"increase awareness and appreciation of the National Army Museum
raise funds to help the Museum purchase important artefacts".

Saturday, December 19

This is a preview of a post I am doing about women reading. Put your mouse at each painting an you will see the title and the name of the painter at the status bar. Yes, the biggest is Maria Magdalena reading the bible, a 1500-10 painting by Piero di Cosimo. This is very interesting that he did this work after Dan Brown's discover. :) The animated .gif is just for fun.
Have a great and peaceful weekend.

Thursday, December 17

Right: Three Musicians, 1921, PicassoLeft: The Musicians, 1595-96, by Caravaggio
There is a good test about the theme music in arts at this page.
"One can almost hear the music."
Here is the list they did of paintings whose theme is music:

Wednesday, December 16

The post below is not by chance. I am having serious back problems and went to the physician today. He has forbidden the computer for at least five days and I will have to make therapeutic treatment next week.

"We will take you on a journey from turn of the century hand cranked music boxes to modern video arcade games. This is a trip down memory lane. It is a chance to show your children or grandchildren what you did for fun when you were their age. Before video games at home, perhaps before television, perhaps what you remember sitting in your grandparent's parlor

For those of you who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, it is a chance to remember Playland at the Beach, Sutro Baths and the Cliff House. There is our own "Laffing Sal", "Susie the Can-Can Dancer" and the fascinating "Carnival." Other things have been brought in from around the world for your amusement."

Gypsy Queen

Photo by Cathy Lynch

Flickr

You can click at the images to go to the original page.
It's not working. I will put the images later.

Monday, December 14

I never met anyone who claimed "I don't like Van Gogh". He is one of the most known and admired painters and part of this posthumous celebrity, I bet you know he didn't sell a single painting during his lifetime, is due to the fact that his biography, specially his poverty and craziness, is common knowledge.
Whenever someone wants to illustrate with art something related to sadness, depression, emotional struggle the likelihood to choose Van Gogh is very high because after all he is the one who "..,knows the darkness of my soul." as the song says.
Until today his disease is diagnosed and he has been labeled all mental diseases. Scholars, psychologists and psychiatrists read his 902 letters searching for a demonstration of a symptom and a mere headache and the expression of normal sadness, or complains of a noisy street is highlighted as a symptom of schizophrenia, depression, epilepsy, agoraphobia, or whatever diagnosis is being proposed.
I think it's already too hard to be in front of a patient and find the right diagnosis and make a collection of letters pieces of a puzzle to a diagnostic guess is something beyond my comprehension.
The sad consequence is that his work is seen as an expression of his madness. The perspective of the bedroom is not correct or the window is closed? It might be because he was hallucinating and because he feared the outside world. I have a book by a French psychologist that claims that a certain white flower in the wallpaper means loneliness among many other strange findings.

Wallpapers like that are very common in French painting of that period and many aspects that belong to aesthetics or iconography field is not taken into consideration.
When I did read "Letters to Theo" for the first time the opposite happened to me. I was amazed by all the happiness and passion he has for his work, the admiration he has for some painters and writers, his culture, and the joy he claims painting is for him: "Painting is such a joy for me."
I realized that I should look at these paintings forgetting all I knew about his biography and for the first time I was able to really see his work and the joy he expressed in every brush stroke.
I am not claiming his health was perfect but seeing his oeuvre only in the lights of a disease is not productive and covers many of the uniqueness of Vincent's work. Even when he portrays himself with the ear cut there is an easel and a painting hanging on the wall at the background and he does not look desperate.

There are other painters and writers who were not that healthy and nobody even knows about it.
I found this site where there is the English version of the letters and I hope you enjoy it the same way I did. It's from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam that I visited some years ago and didn't want to leave.
This is the link.

[Letterhead: Goupil Paris]

Paris, 15 July 1875

My dear Theo,

Uncle Vincent was here again, we were together quite a lot and talked about one thing and another. I asked him whether he thought there would be an opportunity to get you here, into the Paris branch. At first he wouldn’t hear of it, and said it was much better that you stay in The Hague; but I kept insisting, and you can be sure that he’ll bear it in mind.

When he comes to The Hague he’ll probably talk to you; stay calm and let him have his say; it won’t do you any harm, and later on you’ll probably need him now and again. You shouldn’t talk about me if it’s not the right moment.

He’s terribly clever, when I was here last winter1 one of the things he said to me was ‘perhaps I know nothing of supernatural things, but of natural things I know everything’. I’m not sure whether those were his exact words, but that was the gist of it. 1r:2

I also want to tell you that one of his favourite paintings is ‘Lost illusions’ by Gleyre.2

Sainte-Beuve said, ‘There is in most men a poet who died young, whom the man survived’3 and Musset, ‘know that in us there is often a sleeping poet, ever young and alive’.4 I believe that the former is true of Uncle Vincent. So you know who it is you’re dealing with, and so be warned.

Don’t hesitate to ask him openly to have you sent here or to London.

I thank you for your letter of this morning, and for the verse by Rückert. Do you have his poems? I’d like to know more of them. When there’s an opportunity I’ll send you a French Bible and L’imitation de Jesus Christ.5 This was probably the favourite book of that woman whom P. de Champaigne painted;6 in the Louvre there’s a portrait, also by P. de C., of her daughter, a nun; she has L’imitation lying on a chair next to her.7

Pa once wrote to me: ‘you know that the same lips that uttered “be harmless as doves” also immediately added “and wise as serpents”’.8 You should bear 1v:3 that in mind as well, and believe me to be ever